You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Steve Withers
Steve Withers (Twitter, Google+) is a professional calibrator and freelance journalist who regularly contributes to AVForums, reviewing audio and video products, writing articles, appearing on our podcast and presenting numerous videos.
Steve has been writing about audio and video products for nearly ten years and, along with AVForums, he also contributes to Tech Radar, Trusted Reviews, Pocket-lint, Home Cinema Choice, Stuff, and Wired.
Steve is a professional audio and video calibrator who is Level 2 certified with THX, the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) and the Home Acoustics Alliance (HAA). As such he remains abreast of all AV technology developments and the latest industry standards as we transition into a new era in home video and audio.
JVC's new projector line-up upgrades its existing class-leading blacks and dynamic HDR tone-mapping by adding a BLU-Escent laser light source, 8K/e-shiftX, HDR10+ and HDMI 2.1 inputs. The specs on the mid-range DLA-NZ8 are impressive, but can it justify the significant price premium?
The Acurus Muse is a high-end 16-channel AV processor that supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Hi-Res Audio and the company's ASPEQT room correction technology. The Muse uses a compact cabinet that's designed for media rooms or commercial and marine applications, but still delivers a comprehensive immersive audio experience.
The Sony HT-A7000 soundbar promises an immersive experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X thanks to no less than 11 built-in drivers and advanced spatial processing. Throw in HDMI 2.1, Hi-Res Audio, 360 Reality Audio, Sound Field Optimisation, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and the ability to work with smart assistants, and you've got a seriously specified soundbar.
The JBL Bar 5.0 soundbar promises a big and immersive delivery from a single unit thanks to MultiBeam technology and Dolby Atmos support. The inclusion of Chromecast, AirPlay, and Alexa Multi-Room Music rounds out a competitively priced package.
9
Home AV
Panasonic SC-HTB490 Soundbar Review
by Steve Withers
The Panasonic SC-HTB490 2.1-channel soundbar offers a simple and cost-effective method of boosting your TV's sound quality, especially when it comes to bass.
The XGIMI Aura 4K HDR ultra-short-throw DLP laser projector promises big screen images, a Harman Kardon sound system and the Android TV smart platform, and all for a very attractive price. So are big screen TVs a thing of the past?
Updated 13th December 2021: The already impressive Trinnov Altitude16 AV processor has now been updated to add IMAX Enhanced and four additional channels of processing that allows for a full 9.4.6 immersive audio system.
Best Home AV Products of 2021 - Editor's Choice Awards
by Steve Withers
AV receivers, processors, soundbars, speaker packages, and subwoofers are amongst our chosen home AV products of 2021. We round-up the best of the best in our latest annual Editor's Choice Awards.
The Paradigm Founder Series of speakers are the first new speakers released since the company was reacquired by its original founder (hence the name). While the entire range is impressive, the new 70LCR is of particular interest to home cinema fans.
The Denon AVC-X4700H is an AV receiver with nine built-in channels of amplification, and the ability to process 11.2 channels. It also offers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D and IMAX Enhanced, along with HDMI 2.1 and HEOS multi-room. So, is this the manufacturer's AVR sweet spot?
The Denon Home 550 Soundbar is the latest addition to the company's growing range of HEOS multi-room products. It promises Dolby Atmos and DTS:X without upfirers, but does it do enough to justify its price tag?
The Anthem AVM 70 sports a sexy new design and includes all the latest features, plus it promises a genuinely immersive 15.2-channel experience with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced decoding, and ARC Genesis room correction.
The Yamaha SR-C20A is a compact 2.1-channel soundbar that delivers a surprisingly big sound thanks to a built-in subwoofer, making it a great choice for smaller lounges, bedrooms and desktop gaming.
Newcomer Reavon hopes its high-end UBR-X100 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player can fill the gap left by the departure of Oppo. Those are some big shoes to fill, let's see if it's up to the task.
The Yamaha RX-A2A is the entry-point into the manufacturer's new line-up of Aventage AV receivers, but aside from the cosmetics, does it do enough to differentiate itself from the range below?
The Klipsch Cinema 600 soundbar delivers high quality 3.1-channel sound with Tractrix horn tweeters, a powerful subwoofer with a 10" driver, HDMI-ARC, remote app and expansion options.
Creative might not be the first name that springs to mind when choosing a soundbar, but the Carrier SXFI with Dolby Atmos shows the company is serious in its ambitions.
The Oculus Quest 2 delivers an awesome VR experience with no wires or even the need for a PC or games console. Facebook may be mining your personal data, but at this price who cares?
The LG SP8YA soundbar promises to deliver a 3.1.2-channel system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content. It also includes Meridian acoustic know-how, Amazon Alexa built-in and AirPlay 2. But how does it perform?
The LG SP11RA is the company's latest flagship soundbar, and delivers fully immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X thanks to a 7.1.4-channel speaker layout. But does it offer enough to compete with Samsung?
The Samsung HW-Q950A applies 11.1.4 channels to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, and delivers staggering levels of immersion from object-based audio. Is this the best soundbar ever?
The madVR Envy Extreme offers cutting-edge image processing, combined with HDR dynamic tone mapping, auto aspect ratio control and 3D LUT calibrations. It's not cheap, but the performance is exceptional.
The Zidoo Z1000 Pro takes all the excellent features found on the company's cheaper Android TV media boxes and adds a high-end chassis, built-in HDD bay and antennas, and a full-sized Bluetooth remote control. Nice!
The Samsung QN900A is the company's flagship Neo QLED 8K TV, and while it includes every technology the Korean giant has to offer, it also comes with a decidedly premium price.
The VAVA VA-LT002 4K HDR ultra-short-throw laser projector promises big-screen images from limited space, along with a sound system and smart platform. Is this new beamer a bargain?
REL gives its Serie Tx subwoofer range an overhaul, with the flagship T/9x offering a redesigned and more discreet cabinet, inside which you'll find a new 10-inch driver and beefed-up amplification.
The Polk React Soundbar offers two-channel audio and Amazon Alexa built-in, plus affordable upgrade options with the wireless React Subwoofer and SR2 surrounds.
The upgraded entry-level SVS SB-1000 Pro combines an enhanced driver, beefed-up amplifier and new features, with a Bluetooth remote app and competitive pricing.
The biggest influence on sound quality is the room itself, and while you can physically mitigate some of the negative aspects with acoustic treatments, a software solution is easier. The Trinnov Optimizer is the most flexible, customisable and sophisticated software available, making it the choice of the professionals.
The biggest influence on sound quality is the room itself, and while you can physically mitigate some of the negative aspects with acoustic treatments, a software solution is easier. Dirac Live room correction is a sophisticated solution, and the dominant software in higher-end processors and receivers.